Backsplash from About Floors n More Jacksonville, FL

Kitchen and Bath Backsplashes: The Basics

When we hear the word “backsplashes” we usually think of those 3 to 5-inch panels that sit directly behind the cooktop or sink.

Today, they are also design tools to create focal points and extend from the floor to ceiling, or as a vertical extension from the countertop, or to coordinate with the flooring.

Backsplashes are usually found in kitchens, baths, or other rooms as accent walls.

Although backsplashes can be designed from many materials, the most popular still is tile, and keep in mind that tile can be made to look like anything, from stone to wood and even leather.

Often, the same tile is used for the kitchen counter and backsplash; when you have counters installed, be sure to ask if that includes a backsplash.

Glass is the most common, most popular

Tiny glass mosaics are by far the most popular for a backsplash.  So are subway tiles, those formerly all-white 3X6 bricks that now come in all colors, shapes, and sizes.

Glass tiles come from the landfills; they are recycled and handcrafted and have a sparkly, jewel-like quality.  You can get them mounted on mesh backgrounds or simply insert a few as accents, also on the countertop and flooring.

They are very durable, stain and mold resistant, as the retailer will tell you.

Porcelain tile: great for backsplashes

Porcelain is a type of ceramic, but its composition is fine clay, sand, and glass, and it is fired at higher temperatures, which makes it highly durable, less porous and stain and water-resistant.

Porcelain is a large format tile which some think if ideal when using it in marble, granite or some other stone pattern.  The fewer seams make it look more like a quarry slab; they think.

One idea:  If you want to give your kitchen that old-world feeling of an Italian pizzeria, have the porcelain designed in travertine.

Marble is very popular right now in bathrooms and, of course, granite will give it the atmosphere of a bath in a 5-star hotel.

Ceramics: Always popular

With such a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs, they make great counters, backsplashes, flooring, and accent walls.

For more information, come into the About Floors ‘n More showroom in Jacksonville, FL., also serving Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach & Neptune Beach.  Ask about our quotes.